The Organization of American States (OAS) on Wednesday formally accepted China as a permanent observer of the Washington-based organization. This brings to 60 the number of permanent observers to the Western Hemisphere body, which currently has 35 members.

The OAS Permanent Council adopted by consensus the resolution granting observer status at a regular session chaired by Ambassador Miguel Ruiz-Cabanas of Mexico. The resolution was sponsored by Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.

China considers the OAS an important political organization in the Western Hemisphere, said Yang Jiechi, the Chinese ambassador to the United States, after the resolution was adopted.

China's status as permanent observer to the OAS, which plays an important role in maintaining regional stability and security, advancing peace and development, and promoting regional integration, will provide a new platform for exchange and cooperation between China and nations in the region, he said.

Yang said China and the OAS members share a wide range of interests in maintaining peace and furthering development, and that China will actively promote its cooperation with the OAS to promote mutual development.

The OAS was established in 1890 as the International Union of American Republics. It adopted its present name in 1948, when 21 nations of the hemisphere met in Bogota, Colombia, to adopt the Charter of the Organization of American States.

(China Daily May 27, 2004)